German lawmaker says he met Snowden in Russia

ASSOCIATED PRESS

November 1, 2013 12:01 AM

ASSOCIATED PRESS

November 1, 2013 12:01 AM

BERLIN -- A German lawmaker said he met Edward Snowden in Moscow on Thursday, and that the National Security Agency leaker is prepared in principle to help Germany investigate allegations of surveillance by U.S. intelligence.

Hans-Christian Stroebele, a lawmaker with Germany's opposition Greens who is a prominent critic of the NSA's alleged actions, posted on Twitter a picture of himself with Snowden. He said on his website that Snowden gave him a letter to German authorities that he will present in Berlin today.

Stroebele told ARD television that Snowden "made clear he knows a great deal." He said Snowden would be prepared to travel to Germany and testify, "but the circumstances would have to be cleared up."

Germany is seeking answers from United States authorities to allegations Chancellor Angela Merkel's cell phone was monitored, which prompted Merkel to complain.

Meanwhile, Snowden's lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, said his client has found a technical support position at a Russian website.

Kucherena told the RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that Snowden starts his new job today.

Kucherena declined to name the company that has hired Snowden but said it's a major Russian website.